Perfect Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt
These air fryer pumpkin seeds are perfectly crunchy, lightly salted, and ready in just 20 minutes. A simple, healthy snack that’s perfect for fall and way easier than oven roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (from one medium pumpkin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil, melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon; use ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt if substituting)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and sugar
Instructions
- Scoop seeds and pulp from pumpkin into a bowl. Separate seeds from larger pumpkin flesh.
- Place seeds in a colander and rinse under cool water, rubbing gently to remove pulp, until water runs clear. Do not soak.
- Spread rinsed seeds on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat dry with another towel. Let air dry for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer dried seeds to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Stir until every seed is evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
- Spread seasoned seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Remove basket and shake or stir seeds.
- Return to air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, checking at 3 minutes. Seeds are done when golden brown and sound hollow when shaken.
- Transfer cooked seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer. Cool completely for 5-10 minutes before eating.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
Don’t skip drying the seeds thoroughly—wet seeds lead to chewy texture. Watch cooking time closely as air fryers vary; start checking at 8 minutes. Flaky sea salt sticks better and gives bursts of flavor. Let seeds cool completely for maximum crunch. For oven method: roast at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway. For skillet method: cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 30 gr
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 9
Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, healthy snack, fall recipe, Halloween snack, Thanksgiving snack, crunchy seeds, sea salt pumpkin seeds